Optima Batteries: how to charge them?

[bear down]

just purchased 3 new blue tops and I purchased my self a nice new 40 fast charge/20 quck charge/ Floating charge from sears. It has a setting for gel batteries. I run two batteries for the stereo and have one set up for just the motor. when I run down the two for the stereo are there any right or wrong way to charge? is there a way to cheat and charge both batteries at one time? or do I have to do them individually? any info would be great. I don't want to ruin these battereies by charging them incorrectly or to excessively. thanks

[Havasu_Dreamin]

I know you've already bought a charger but when we were building the Howard we had one of these installed to charge our two blue top optimas. All we do is plug it in at the end of the day and leave it plugged in when we are gone and it does not over-charge the batteries. On-board charger (http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-chargers/12-volt/marine-chargers/DP15-2.html)

[TrojanDan]

You might have been better off buying a three or four bank on board battery charger that you hook up and install in your boat. That way when you are done for the day, you just plug and extension cord into the plug and charge all three at once. Using alligator clips and climbing under your hatch to charge your batteries sucks.
I don't think you're suppose to put a high charge on those Optimas. Check their website for more info. :cool:

[gramps]

Go to this site
http://www.dualpro.com/
their systems work great................a million bar stool boats can't be wrong.

[Buster]

You might have been better off buying a three or four bank on board battery charger that you hook up and install in your boat. That way when you are done for the day, you just plug and extension cord into the plug and charge all three at once. Using alligator clips and climbing under your hatch to charge your batteries sucks.
I don't think you're suppose to put a high charge on those Optimas. Check their website for more info. :cool:
That is just what I did. I run 4 Optimas and have a 4 bank charger installed in the boat. Just plug it in and leave. The batteries are always fully charged and ready to go.
Slow/trickle charging gel batteries are always a way better to go then those high amp clip on chargers.
Just my .02

[Havasu Hangin']

Optimas are AGM...not gel. Don't get them hot- they'll vent, and become paperweights.
Recommended charging information is on the Optima site:
Alternator:
13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery charger:
13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.
Rapid Recharge:
Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated).
Maximum current: No limit as long as temperature < 125°F (51.7°C).
Maximum recharge time: Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float charge:
13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).

[moneypit]

2 amps 24 hours is all you need.

[bear down]

Is there a way to cheat and charge both batteries at the same time or is it better to charge individually?

[Redding Rat]

Since the batteries are both the same age (new) you can charge them with your new Sears charger. If they are in the boat hooked up as a bank of batteries just hook the positive to one of the batteries positive terminals and the negative to the other batteries negative terminal. They will both charge just fine.

[RitcheyRch]

http://www.ctek.com/us/home.asp
Specifically geared towards gell or AGM batteries.

[496mag]

This is what I have for my two Optima Blue Tops.
I love it
Battery Charger (http://www.marinco.com/scpt/ProdPage.php?loadItem=2611A_Guest%20Recreational)

[SoCal Builder]

I am having a Howard sport deck built right now. What/how many blue tops did you install? What did Mike charge you for the battery charger? Thanks for the feedback. Look forward to comparing notes with you.

[Havasu_Dreamin]

I am having a Howard sport deck built right now. What/how many blue tops did you install? What did Mike charge you for the battery charger? Thanks for the feedback. Look forward to comparing notes with you.
First off, congratulations on the Howard, you will not be disappointed. Mike and Gene build an awesome boat, second to none.
We went with two blue top optimas. We bought the batteries and the battery charger on our own and gave them to Howard to install.
We got the batteries at Costco and we bought this (http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-chargers/12-volt/marine-chargers/DP15-2.html) on-board battgery charger. The charger works great with the optimas and the way Howard installs it makes it real easy to use in terms of plugging the charger in while we are gone.
Again, congrats and if you've got any questions about the boat send me a PM via here on HB or an email to the address listed in my profile.

[SoCal Builder]

I will PM you once I complete the sign up here on HOL. From reading some of your posts, it looks like we have more in common than good taste in boats....look forward to conversing with you and tipping a few out at the lake!
Fight On!

[Havasu_Dreamin]

I will PM you once I complete the sign up here on HOL. From reading some of your posts, it looks like we have more in common than good taste in boats....look forward to conversing with you and tipping a few out at the lake!
Fight On!
Are you sure? I've got season tickets to UCLA football...LMAO
No problem, ask away. I'll be happy to answer any questions or provide any insight I have...

[SoCal Builder]

Bruins on Board that Rare Concepts designed???

[Havasu_Dreamin]

Bruins on Board that Rare Concepts designed???
Yep.....Russ at Rare Koncepts was great to work with. Between Russ and Mike at Howard the boat came out flawless when comparing the rendering to the final product...
Anyone looking to build a new boat and needs some help on graphic designs Rare Koncepts (http://www.rarekoncepts.com) is the place to go...
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p317/seernstlvhb/DSC02743.jpg

[Roaddogg 4040]

If you have Blue tops just charge them at about a hundred amps, 'till the tops turn red... Then your set...:D :D :D
Steve

[SoCal Builder]

Excepting your taste in schools! ;-)

[Havasu_Dreamin]

Excepting your taste in schools! ;-)
:D :)